Freedom of Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:17

Maybe, like me, you invited Jesus into your heart when you were a kid. Maybe we think of it as a childlike thing to do. But this is really heady stuff: When you ask the spirit of the Lord of the Universe to inhabit your heart, rather than oppressing and dominating, his presence brings freedom. He doesn’t make us obey. He encourages us and helps create the desire in us to obey. We have the free choice to say yes to him—or to say no.

Questions for further thought:
1. When do you most feel the freedom that God gives us through his presence?
2. Do you sometimes wish that God would just make you be good instead of having to go through the process of learning to do his will?  

Challenge: When the Holy Spirit is moving in our hearts, it’s easy to feel freedom and joy in doing God’s will. This week, try to invoke that freedom and joy in a circumstance where you’re not feeling it. Be obedient to God’s word despite feeling angry, disappointed or tired.